University Support for Faculty Research

The University’s Office of Research and Engagement supports campus research and creative efforts with several grant and award programs. Those most relevant for HFA faculty are listed below. Links to further information about these programs, including descriptions of the programs, submission guidelines, and application forms, is available at university's Internal Funding Opportunities homepage. General submission deadlines are noted for each opportunity.  Faculty members should confirm the specific time and date.

• Faculty Research Grant/Healey Endowment Grant  (FRG/HEG)
  The FRG/HEG program provides seed money for projects that may lead to the submission of peer-reviewed research papers and/or to the submission of proposals for external funding. All full-time UMass Amherst Faculty whose appointments extend beyond the current academic year (including those going on sabbatical) may submit applications. 

Applications typically due early to mid-October. For application instructions, please see the Quick Reference Guide to HFA Faculty Awards and Grants.

• Samuel F. Conti Faculty Fellowship Awards
  The Samuel F. Conti Faculty Fellowship provides faculty members with an opportunity to focus on their research or creative activities by offering a one-year release from teaching and service duties in addition to a $3,500 cash award. Fellows are chosen based on their record of outstanding accomplishments in research and creative activity and on their potential for continued excellence based on the project that would be undertaken during the fellowship period. Departmental and self-nominations must be submitted to the HFA Associate Dean for Research via the HFA Submission Form.

Applications typically due the first Friday in December. N.B. The college's submission deadline may differ from that established by the university. For application instructions, please see the Quick Reference Guide to HFA Faculty Awards and Grants.

•  MSP Research Support Fund
  All HFA faculty who are members of the MSP are encouraged to apply.  Awards of $1,000 may be made to bargaining unit members who are active in research and who do not have access to significant alternative funding. These funds may be requested in anticipation of upcoming expenses or as reimbursement for eligible expenses. 

Applications typically due in late September.

• Subvention Program
  The Vice Chancellor for Research and Engagement’s Subvention Program assists faculty members with costs associated with dissemination of their scholarly and creative efforts, including, but not limited to book publication, image rights, exhibition notes, recording costs, and CD or book jacket design.

Applications typically due in mid-January. For application instructions, please see the Quick Reference Guide to HFA Faculty Awards and Grants.

• Library Privileges at Partner Institutions
  In addition to campus and Five College Consortium library resources, faculty have access to a world-wide network of information via interlibrary loan and document delivery.  To support the research needs of UMass Amherst faculty who need materials at a Harvard University Library, the Vice Chancellor for Research & Engagement has created a process by which tenured and tenure-track faculty members' home departments can be reimbursed for access fees.